These caprese skewers deserve a party! They’re fresh, simple and delicious. This recipe might be the perfect summertime appetizer, since the skewers are easy to make, easy to hold, and easy to eat. You can’t say that for most appetizers, which make mingling and eating at the same time a tricky business.

These skewers are a handheld version of caprese salad, requiring just a few basic ingredients: cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, small mozzarella balls, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. If you have kids around, I bet they’d love to help thread them.

I think we’ve all encountered a disappointing caprese salad made with subpar tomatoes, but the cherry tomatoes used in this recipe are almost always flavorful and vibrant. Even better if you’re growing cherry tomatoes in your garden—sun golds offer a fun pop of yellow color and amazing flavor. 

Caprese Skewer Tips

Leave a small amount of space between each ingredient for some breathing room. If you have extra room on the skewer, arrange the ingredients closer to the pointed end to make them more bite-friendly. 

Small-to-medium basil leaves work best because they have tender ribs. If you need to use larger leaves, tear them in half, pull out the thick rib, and fold them once before threading. 

Serve these skewers with appetizer plates to catch any drips.

For a delicious twist on classic caprese skewers, try replacing some of the tomatoes with a ripe peach, cut into 1-inch chunks (no need to peel it first). 

To make this recipe in advance, thread the skewers and store them in the refrigerator, covered, until about 20 minutes before serving (the tomatoes and cheese taste best at room temperature). Reserve the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and flaky salt until just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile summertime appetizer would be welcome at a wide variety of get-togethers—think casual cookouts, poolside parties and proper dinner parties. They’re also a delicious snack or light meal on their own. The mozzarella makes them surprisingly filling.

The skewers travel well if you can wait to drizzle them with olive oil and vinegar just before serving (otherwise they might look a little messy, though they’ll still be delicious).

Here are some suggestions to help build out your menu, featuring complementary summertime flavors without too much overlap:

• Fun salads: Mediterranean Bean Salad, Blistered Green Bean and Corn Quinoa Salad, Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint or a simple green salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Pizzas: Ultimate Veggie Pizza, Arugula-Almond Pesto Pizza, Grilled Pizza or Greek Pizza
• Unexpected options: Green Goddess Tortellini Salad or Vegetable Paella
• Simple desserts: Clafoutis, Lemon Posset or Blueberry Almond Crisp
• Refreshing cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Classic Mojito, Gimlet Cocktail, The Best Red Sangria or Tom Collins Cocktail

More Simple Tomato Recipes

Tomato surplus? Lucky you! Here are a few more easy tomato recipes that will put them to good use:

• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Caprese Sandwich
• Easy Tomato Salad
• Heirloom Caprese Salad
• Mediterranean Tomato & Feta Dip

Please let me know how your skewers turn out in the comments. Be sure to share your summer party menus—I want to hear about them.

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